KUALA LUMPUR: Ubisoft may be in hot water following its internal overhaul and so-called company reset.
As part of its restructuring and long-term plans, the company has cancelled six upcoming game projects, including the Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake. A further seven undisclosed projects have also been delayed.
Under its revised structure, which begins in April, Ubisoft will funnel game development and creative ideas through five creative houses. The aim is to streamline decision-making, particularly for specific game genres.
As a result of these changes, Ubisoft has announced additional studio closures and layoffs. Employees reportedly learned of the developments through online news reports rather than internal briefings.
The cancellations have sparked backlash from labour unions, which have targeted chief executive officer Yves Guillemot. Unions have called for a half-day strike and outlined demands including an end to cost-cutting measures, fair pay increases for the coming year, and expanded remote working conditions.
Ubisoft's share price has also fallen by 33 per cent following the company reset.
While the company has long been viewed as bloated, the pivot may have been necessary. However, the cutbacks point to a lack of foresight and planning over the past decade. From an ownership perspective, it may be better late than never, but the repercussions are expected to be significant.
Will this bear fruit in the next five to 10 years? Perhaps, but for now it is difficult to see positive outcomes when livelihoods are at the mercy of such an overhaul.
Short Beats
Xbox has announced a slate of new release windows and dates for its published titles. Forza Horizon 6 will launch on May 19.
Beast of Reincarnation, a new action role-playing game from GameFreak, best known for Pokemon, is slated for release in Summer 2026 on PC, Xbox Series and PlayStation 5.
Kiln, a new online multiplayer title from Double Fine Productions of Psychonauts fame, centres on players battling one another using custom anthropomorphic pots and vases. The game is expected in Spring 2026 for PC and consoles, with an open beta coming soon.
The 2026 edition of Fable, an open-world action role-playing game by Playground Studios, now has a release window of Autumn 2026 for PC and consoles.
Wikipedia has turned 25 and continues to operate without advertisements, attracting more than seven billion visitors per month despite rising government pressure and the emergence of generative AI challenges.
The boiler at Rockstar North's Edinburgh headquarters has reportedly exploded, though no casualties or injuries have been reported.
Delayed Bungie-developed multiplayer sci-fi shooter Marathon now has a new release date of March 5. The game features a large voice cast, including Ben Starr and Jennifer English of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 fame.
Universal Studios and The Pokemon Company have announced plans to collaborate on a new Pokemon-themed theme park experience on a global scale.
Op-Ed
We review the indie game MIO: Memories in Orbit and discuss recent Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves generative AI controversies in a recent video.
https://youtu.be/7lx9C-WIUaQ
Games Out This Week
MIO: Memories In Orbit is a new 2D metroidvania indie title from French developer Douze Dixiemes. Players take on the role of android MIO, exploring The Vessel, uncovering its secrets and attempting to save the spaceship and its remaining inhabitants.
Arknights: Endfield is the latest free-to-play action RPG and base-building hybrid from Gryphline.
Eldegarde is a new mini-MMO action RPG featuring PvE, PvPvE and Arena modes for PC. Players can explore expansive zones, craft gear and fight to survive in a living fantasy world.
2XKO, Riot Games' latest 2v2 tag fighting game featuring League of Legends characters, is now available in version 1.0 on Xbox Series and PlayStation 5.
SEGA Football Club Champions 2026 is the latest sports management title for PC and consoles, powered by Football Manager and featuring player data from FIFPRO.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade and Dynasty Warriors: Origins are the latest titles to receive Nintendo Switch 2 ports.
Recommended Viewing
Content creator Austin Eruption has completed Anthem at 100 per cent before its shutdown, preserving it as an example of wasted potential shaped by executive decisions and production woes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpuLUf8LrqY
